How can I avoid headaches while fasting?

Detailed answer

Headaches are one of the most common complaints in Ramadan, especially in the first few days. The good news is that most of them can be prevented. They usually have four causes: caffeine withdrawal, not drinking enough, low blood sugar and lack of sleep. Tackle these and most people find the headaches fade.

Why they happen

• Caffeine withdrawal: if you normally drink coffee, tea or energy drinks during the day, missing them often causes a headache by the afternoon.
• Dehydration: long hours without water, especially in hot weather.
• Low blood sugar: skipping suhoor, or eating mostly sugary foods that wear off quickly.
• Sleep changes: late nights and early suhoor can leave you short of sleep.

How to prevent them

• Cut down caffeine gradually in the one to two weeks before Ramadan. During the month, have your coffee or tea after iftar or at suhoor; see coffee at suhoor.
• Drink water steadily between iftar and suhoor rather than all at once.
• Never skip suhoor. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Take suhoor, for in suhoor there is blessing" (Bukhari and Muslim). Choose slow-release foods such as oats, wholegrain bread, eggs and yoghurt.
• Sleep enough by going to bed earlier and taking a short nap if you can; see sleeping well in Ramadan.
• Avoid heat and bright sun where possible, and wear sunglasses outdoors.

If you have a headache

Rest in a cool, quiet place and try to relax your neck and shoulders. If you need a painkiller, take it at iftar or suhoor, since swallowing a tablet during the day breaks the fast. If you suffer from migraines, speak to your doctor before Ramadan about your treatment plan.

When to break the fast

If a headache becomes severe, or comes with vomiting, confusion, a stiff neck or problems with your vision, seek medical help. You may break the fast if it causes real hardship, and make up the day later. Allah says: "Allah intends ease for you and does not intend hardship for you" (Al-Baqarah 2:185).